Photographers and destinations to choose from

I am very brand new to this all. I am looking at playa del carmen and riviera maya. Is there a major difference between the two? Also I keep seeing vendors, how do we decide on photographers and it seems many of these places have one, are these photographers giving you more options than the resort? Are they worth the money? Depending on where I end up as a resort, many have a photographer, but can we cut that out of the package? Or maybe get the lesser package?? What have you all found to be the better deal? Thanks everyone!!